California-based Baffert has had plenty of recent success in Hot Springs. Last year, the Southwest had such a large field that it was split into two divisions. Baffert won both of them with Castaway and Secret Circle. In 2010 the Baffert-trained Conveyance won the Southwest.

Among horses in today’s field are Fear the Kitten out of New Orleans and the D. Wayne Lukas-trained Will Take Charge.